Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

by Nina Johnson June 21, 2025, 12:00 pm

If you’ve ever bitten into Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you know the magic of the crispy shell paired with juicy chicken and crunchy slaw. This homemade version delivers all that sweet, spicy, and savory flavor in a few easy steps. It’s a fun and satisfying way to bring your favorite restaurant-style appetizer right into your kitchen.

These tacos are perfect for a crowd or even just a flavor-packed weeknight dinner. The balance of textures—crunchy shells, sticky glazed chicken, and crisp cabbage—keeps every bite interesting. Plus, the garnishes like sesame seeds and fresh cilantro brighten it all up. No reservations required!

What Kind of Wonton Wrappers Should I Use?

To mimic the iconic crispy taco shell Applebee’s uses, square wonton wrappers work best. You can bake them over a metal taco rack or drape them across the side of a baking dish to shape and crisp them up in the oven. Frying is also an option if you want that ultra-crunchy bite.

Ingredients for the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Chicken breast – Thinly sliced or diced, this forms the protein-rich heart of the dish. Marinated and cooked until tender, it soaks up every bit of sauce.

Soy sauce – A salty umami punch that forms the base of the glaze.

Garlic and ginger – These aromatics infuse the chicken with warmth and zing.

Hoisin sauce – This sweet, thick sauce adds a deep molasses-like richness.

Sesame oil – Just a touch brings out that nutty flavor you associate with Asian-inspired dishes.

Coleslaw mix – For crunch! A blend of shredded cabbage and carrots keeps it easy and colorful.

Cilantro – Fresh, bright, and optional if you’re not a fan—but it adds amazing lift.

Sesame seeds – Toasted and sprinkled on top for flavor and texture.

Wonton wrappers – The “taco” shell. Crispy, light, and the perfect edible vessel.

How To Make the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a dash of sesame oil. Add the chicken to this marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to soak up the flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn but gets a nice glaze.

Step 3: Crisp the Wonton Shells

While the chicken cooks, shape your wonton wrappers into taco shells. You can bake them draped over the side of a muffin tin or metal rack at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively, deep fry them for a crunchier texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each crispy wonton shell with a spoonful of the glazed chicken. Top with the coleslaw mix and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the shells are crisp and the chicken is hot. These tacos are perfect as an appetizer or even a main dish paired with sticky rice or a light cucumber salad.

How to Serve and Store These Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These tacos are best served fresh, straight from the oven or fryer, when the wonton shells are at their crispiest. Arrange them on a platter and serve with extra slaw and sauce on the side for easy topping. They’re ideal for game day spreads, casual gatherings, or a flavorful dinner twist.

To store leftovers, keep the components separate. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The slaw can also be stored separately, but the wonton shells are best enjoyed fresh—they lose their crunch quickly once filled. If needed, re-crisp the shells in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken is best for these tacos?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. For the shells, look for rice paper or gluten-free wonton alternatives.

Do I have to fry the wonton wrappers?

Not at all. Baking is a lighter, mess-free alternative that still gives you a satisfying crunch.

What else can I use instead of slaw?

Try shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, or even pickled onions for a tangy contrast.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead—marinate and cook the chicken, prep the slaw, and shape the wontons. But assemble just before eating to keep the shells crisp.

Is there a good dipping sauce to pair with them?

A drizzle of sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce adds a spicy-sweet kick that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, you might want to try some of these other crowd-pleasing creations:

• Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken for a cheesy and comforting dinner.
• BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl if you’re craving smoky-sweet flavors in a healthy bowl.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies to serve as a hearty side.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup when you’re in the mood for something warm and spicy.
• Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for a filling, flavor-packed handheld meal.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can find it anytime you need a quick, delicious crowd-pleaser.

And when you make them, let me know how they turned out! Did you go bold with extra hoisin? Did you swap in shrimp instead of chicken?

I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Share your tweaks, tips, and taco triumphs in the comments!